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Diabetes and Eye Surgery FAQs

Diabetes and eye health are closely interlinked. Those with diabetes should make it a point to see an eye doctor at least once a year. Those with high blood sugar are at high risk of developing blurry vision, cataracts, glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Some of these eye conditions may require surgery. If you or any of your family members have diabetes, you are bound to have questions regarding surgery. 

As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata,  we answer some of the frequently asked questions on diabetes and eye surgery: 

Question 1: Can diabetics have eye surgery?

Yes, diabetics can undergo any type of eye surgery. However, the type of eye surgery depends on your general health and the eye condition that you have. In some cases, you may have to wait until your general health has improved. An eye doctor can advise you on whether eye surgery is suitable for you and if yes, when is the most suitable time. 

Question 2: Do I need to keep sugar levels under control before surgery?

Yes, doctors will recommend you keep your sugar levels under control. High sugar levels increase the risk of complications after surgery such as: 

  • Slow healing 
  • Infection
  • Heart problems

Your eye doctor and endocrinologist will help control your diabetes. This may mean that your average sugar level reading or the three-monthly HbA1c reading needs to be in a particular range. 

Question 3: Do I need to fast before eye surgery?

For all types of eye surgeries, patients are instructed to not eat or drink 12 hours before eye surgery. This is because before the surgery muscle relaxing medications are given. If the stomach has food and drinks inside it, the chances of vomiting are there. If that happens, the food could enter the lungs and affect breathing. 

Question 4: Do I need to stop diabetes medicine before eye surgery? 

Usually, you will be advised not to take diabetes medicine before eye surgery to reduce the chances of lactic acidosis. The condition can be a medical emergency.  It is best to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and follow his or her instructions if you need to stop any drug before surgery. 

Question 5: I have diabetes, how do I prepare for eye surgery? 

The best way to prepare for eye surgery is to follow the advice given to you by your eye doctor and general practitioner or endocrinologist. Remember, the longer your sugar levels are under control, the outcomes of the surgery will be better and the recovery period will go well.

Question 6: What to expect after the surgery? 

After surgery, you will need to see your ophthalmologist frequently, so that he or she can monitor any effect that your diabetes may be having on the eyes. 

 

Question 7: How long is the recovery for diabetics after surgery? 

The recovery from eye surgery varies from one person to another. It is important that you follow post-operative instructions given to you by the doctor regarding eye drops and eye hygiene. 

 

Looking for an eye hospital in Kolkata? 

One of the best ways to lower the risk of diabetic eye diseases is to get your eyes checked once every year. Diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract show no symptoms during their early stages. From diagnosis to eye surgery, you will find all eye care facilities at Disha Eye Hospitals, a leading eye hospital in Kolkata. 

 

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Can Diabetic Retinopathy be cured? And other questions to ask your eye specialist

If you suffer from diabetes,  you should get your eyes tested for diabetic retinopathy annually. Diabetic retinopathy is one of the leading causes of vision loss. The longer you have diabetes and the less controlled the blood sugar levels are, the more likely you are to develop this eye condition. Seeing an eye specialist can help you clear your doubts regarding the eye condition. One of the most asked questions about the eye condition is —- can diabetic retinopathy be cured? Well, the answer is no. There is no cure for diabetic retinopathy. However, early detection of the disease can help in slowing down the progression of the disease or delay or reduce vision loss.

diabetic retinopathy

Here are a few questions you can ask your eye doctor regarding diabetic retinopathy:

 

  • What are the symptoms of diabetic retinopathy?

The symptoms of diabetic retinopathy are:

  • Blurred or fluctuating vision 
  • Impaired colour vision
  • Seeing spots 
  • Vision loss

Fact: Do you know what is the underlying cause of diabetic retinopathy? It is high blood sugar levels and high blood pressure. Keeping the two under control can prevent the eye condition from worsening. 

  • What are the different types of diabetic retinopathy?

Diabetic retinopathy can primarily be classified into:

  • Nonproliferative: It refers to the early stage of DR, where the retinal blood vessels break and leak.
  • Proliferative: In this type of diabetic retinopathy, new blood vessels grow in the retina abnormally, which can cause retinal detachment or scarring. This can further result in vision loss.

 

  • What are the complications that diabetic retinopathy can cause?

Diabetic retinopathy can cause eye conditions such as:  

  • Diabetic macular edema: Due to the leaking of retinal blood vessels, the fluid gets accumulated in the macular part of the retina. This causes blurry vision.
  • Neovascular glaucoma: The growth of abnormal blood vessels due to DR blocks the fluid from draining out of the eye. This causes a neovascular glaucoma, which can further result in vision loss.
  • Tractional retinal detachment: DR can lead to formation of scars in the back of the eye. This condition is called the tractional retinal detachment.
  • What are the risk factors for diabetic retinopathy?

There are few factors that can increase the risk of diabetic retinopathy:

  • Poor control of blood sugar levels
  • High level of hemoglobin A1C 
  • Having diabetes for a long period of time
  • High blood pressure level
  • High cholesterol 
  • Tobacco use

Fact: The prevalence of diabetic retinopathy in Indian urban diabetic population is around 18%. 

Looking for treatment for diabetic retinopathy in Kolkata?

As one of the leading eye hospitals in Kolkata, we, at Disha Eye Hospitals, have some of the best retinal specialists who can help diagnose and treat various retinal eye diseases  such as diabetic retinopathy, retinal tear and retinal detachment. Along with treatment for retinal diseases, we also offer treatment for cataracts, glaucoma,  and other eye conditions. Our highly experienced eye doctors ensure that you receive the best possible patient care.

 

 

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Tips To Prevent Diabetic Eye Diseases

The chances of developing serious eye complications such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataracts, increase if you are suffering from diabetes. In any case, there are a fair number of ways to lower this risk. Stated below are a compilation of simple and effective steps to protect your eyes from such complications:

1) Get your eyes checked annually
One of the best ways to lower the risk of diabetic eye diseases is to get your eyes checked once every year. Diabetic eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and cataract show no symptoms during their early stages.

An ophthalmologist can detect early signs that are invisible to the naked eye, by performing some diagnostic procedures. Diabetes causes more damage to the retina and optic nerve as compared to other eye parts of the eye. One of the expert eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals could help you in receiving a detailed diagnosis of your retinal and optic nerve health by performing a thorough examination. Book an appointment online with one of the eye specialists at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/.

2) Exercise regularly
Regular exercise is undoubtedly one of the most efficient ways to control your blood glucose level and lower the risk of eye complications associated with health-related problems. Physical exercises not only help you in maintaining your blood sugar and cholesterol at healthy levels but also improve blood circulation in vital organs, including the eyes.

Perform light to moderate-intensity exercises such as jogging, running, walking, and cycling. Making healthy choices like walking the stairs instead of taking the elevator will boost your overall health and manage your diabetes.

3) Eat a healthy and balanced diet
The healthier your diet, the lower your risk of diabetes-related eye problems. As part of managing your diabetes and lowering your diabetic eye disease risk, include wholesome and organic food items in your diet. Make sure to limit your intake of packaged, processed food items as they contain high levels of artificial sugar and trans fat. Start drinking freshly-prepared juices, and avoid carbonated drinks with water.

4) Quit smoking
If you have diabetes and are smoking regularly, you stand at a higher risk of developing diabetic retinopathy, cataract, and glaucoma. Smoking impairs insulin absorption which, in turn, causes spikes in blood sugar level, worsening your diabetes. Quitting tobacco is mandatory when it comes to lowering the risk of diabetic eye diseases. If you are unable to give up smoking, professional help could prove to be useful.

Visit one of Disha’s eye hospitals in Kolkata & other places in West Bengal for a comprehensive eye checkup.
We are branched at various locations in West Bengal, including Behala, Barasat, Barrackpore, Siliguri, Gariahat, Durgapur, Burdwan, Berhampore, Mourigram, and Sheoraphully. Visit one of our branches for an advanced eye health checkup at an affordable cost. The team of doctors is trained in advanced treatment procedures to provide the best eye care. They could guide you in lowering your risk of developing diabetic eye diseases and maintaining good eye health.

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Everything That You Need To Know About Night Blindness: Causes, Symptoms And Diagnosis

Do you have trouble seeing clearly in dim light? Does it take you tremendously long to adapt to a dark room when you have just spent some time in a brightly lit room? If so, you may have been experiencing night blindness also known as Nyctalopia.

Although night blindness does not cause complete vision loss, it impairs the ability to see in low light. The eye condition could interfere with driving during the night, discerning facial features in poorly-lit rooms, as well as walking about the house in low light.

Find a solution at one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata

Book an appointment at your nearest Disha Eye Hospital to receive a proper diagnosis in case the condition prevails. As one of the greatest eye hospital groups in the country, Disha is committed to providing quality treatment at affordable prices. Meet the most experienced and qualified eye specialists, who will assist you with the right diagnosis and the right treatment. To know more, visit http://www.dishaeye.org/.

Everything That You Need To Know About Night Blindness: Causes, Symptoms And Diagnosis

Symptoms of night blindness

The chief symptom of night blindness is an impaired sight during the night. However, other symptoms may also indicate the presence of the eye condition. These include:

  • Difficulty in discerning the shape or placement of objects in a dark room
  • Taking a long time to adjust vision in a dark room after turning out the lights and/or walking out of a brightly-lit room
  • Impairment of depth perception in poorly-lit areas

In most cases, these primary symptoms are accompanied by other symptoms such as:

  • Sensitivity to light
  • Cloudy vision
  • Vomiting
  • Nausea
  • Eye pain
  • Headache

Causes of night blindness

Night blindness is a result of several eye conditions, many of which could be treated. Below is a list of eye conditions that cause night blindness:

Cataracts

Cataracts are a commonly diagnosed eye problem/ external sign related to the process of ageing. Cataracts are basically clouding of the lens, causing vision impairment. As the age increases, protein clumps are formed in the lens of the eyes. The protein clumps become thicker over a period of time, clouding the natural lens, and impairing vision by limiting the amount of light that enters the retina.

Night blindness is one of the symptoms of Cataracts. Other symptoms of the eye condition include blurry vision, double vision, sensitivity to glare, and impairment of colour vision.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is another age-related eye condition that causes night blindness. The occurrence could be attributed to the increase of intraocular pressure (fluid pressure inside the eyes). Several factors could lead to an increase in intraocular pressure; these include eye infection, genetics, and blockage of a blood vessel inside the eye.

Apart from night blindness Glaucoma causes other symptoms such as cloudy vision, redness in the eyes, seeing halos around lights, and tunnel vision (narrowed vision).

Diabetic Retinopathy

Diabetic Retinopathy occurs when blood vessels leak inside the retina. The leakage leads to changes in vision. Diabetic Retinopathy may result in permanent vision loss, if not addressed properly.

Night blindness is a symptom of the above eye conditions along with other symptoms such as seeing black spots, floaters, blurry vision, and loss of central vision. Disha Eye Hospitals provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy in Kolkata.

Diagnosis of night blindness

While conducting a diagnosis of night blindness, eye doctors look for determining factors such as:

  • Lowered visual acuity in low light
  • Presence of risk factors of night blindness-causing eye problems
  • Past medical history of Vitamin A deficiency
  • Family history of vision loss
  • Retinal vascular attenuation

Disha Eye Hospitals, one of the best eye hospitals in Kolkata, is known for offering cataract surgery at affordable rates. To learn an estimate of cataract surgery cost, schedule an appointment at http://www.dishaeye.org/organic/

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Tests That May Detect Age-Related Eye Problems

As you age, so do your eyes. If you above 50 years old, then an annual eye examination should be part of overall health checkup. Those of you who have high blood pressure, diabetes or a family history of eye diseases, should see an eye doctor twice in a year. Vision problems can develop due to age-related issues as well as medical conditions. The best way to save your eyes is to detect issues early with regular eye examinations before the eye conditions reach an advanced stage. In between examinations, if you notice any change in your vision, contact an eye specialist at the earliest.

eye test

Keep your eyes healthy in your golden years with Disha Eye Hospitals

Untreated age-related eye changes can harm vision and eventually, adversely affect the quality of life. A delay in eye examination may end in unfortunate consequences. If you are above 50, it’s better to get a regular eye examination done before an eye disease sneaks up on you. For test and treatment for Diabetic Retinopathy in Kolkata, consult eye doctors at Disha Eye Hospitals, best eye hospital in West Bengal. Early detection of an eye disease means timely medical attention. Visit http://www.dishaeye.org/contact-us to schedule an appointment.

Eye tests that the elderly need:

As you age, it’s time to be proactive about your eye health and monitor any changes in your vision. Read on to learn about common eye tests that the elderly people should get to keep track of their eye health:

  1. Eye pressure testing (tonometry): This test checks the pressure inside your eyes. High pressure inside your eyes can damage the optic nerve of the eyes. This test helps the doctor see if you have Glaucoma or you are you’re at risk for glaucoma. As the symptoms of Glaucoma only show up once the disease has reached an advanced age, it’s important to detect the disease early. Early detection can help you slow down vision loss.

  2. Dilated retinal examination: A dilated retinal examination can help spot many eye health problems and diseases like Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration. Pupil dilation is very important at revealing the status of your optic nerve and the health of the retina. The test is critical to detecting retinal diseases that could be potentially dangerous. It is recommended that people above the age of 50 years should have an annual, comprehensive, dilated eye examination. If left untreated, both Diabetic Retinopathy and Age-Related Macular Degeneration can cause severe vision loss in elderly people.

  3. Slit lamp (microscope): A slit lamp test uses a high-power biomicroscope to give the doctor a 3D view of different structures in the eye. It offers the doctor a magnified view of the retina and other structures in the back of the eye. It helps to detect a range of eye diseases like retinal detachment, cataracts, macular degeneration, and bleeding in the eye. It can also spot eyelid disease, cancerous changes and other problems in the eyes.

  4. Refraction: Refraction is part of a routine eye examination. It helps the doctors determine the prescription for eyeglasses you need to see properly. The test helps to detect refractive errors astigmatism, farsightedness, nearsightedness and presbyopia. Changes in your prescription can also help the doctors to detect conditions like diabetes and cataracts.

Everyone who is over 50 years of age should visit an eye specialist for a comprehensive dilated eye exam every year. Even if you aren’t experiencing any vision problems, you should get an annual eye checkup done as many eye diseases have no early warning signs or symptoms. Schedule an eye exam with highly experienced eye specialists at Disha Eye Hospitals. Our eye specialists and eye surgeons make sure that you and your family members receive the best eye care possible. Learn more about the eye hospital at http://www.dishaeye.org/history.

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Diabetic Retinopathy: Important Pointers for the Patients

Diabetic Retinopathy: Important pointers for the patients

If you have Diabetes, you are at the risk of developing Diabetic Retinopathy, a serious eye disease which can cause permanent vision loss if not treated. However, with good control of blood sugar levels, blood lipids, and blood pressure, you can lower the risk of the eye disease.

This article will help you understand the eye disease more and learn about ways how you can reduce the risk as well as identify it and seek proper treatment.

What is Diabetic Retinopathy?

Diabetic Retinopathy is one of the complications of Diabetes that affects the eye. It occurs when high blood sugar levels damage the blood vessels in the retina. Due to the damage, the blood vessels swell and leak. The diabetic eye disease can cause vision loss and eventually lead to complete blindness.

There are two stages of Diabetic Retinopathy:-

  • NDPR (Non-proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

    NDPR is the initial stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. It involves leaking and swelling of the blood vessels in the retina, which if not controlled can lead to loss of vision.

  • PDR (Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy)

PDR is the advanced stage of Diabetic Retinopathy. This stage involves the growth of new blood vessels which can bleed into the vitreous and either cause you to see floaters or dim/block your peripheral and central vision.

Identifying Diabetic Retinopathy

If you have Diabetes, an annual eye exam is a must for an early diagnosis. The following symptoms can indicate the occurrence of the eye disease:

  • Blurred vision
  • Dim vision
  • Vision loss
  • Impaired colour vision
  • Dark spots/floaters in your vision
  • Fluctuating vision

Diagnosing Diabetic Retinopathy:-

As discussed above, getting an annual eye exam helps in early detection which, in turn, can help you treat the eye disease and prevent it from progressing. When you visit an ophthalmologist, he/she will ask you about your medical history and determine your vision through an eye chart test. The doctor will use an ophthalmoscope to examine your retina.

Managing Diabetes to manage Diabetic Retinopathy:-

Effective management of Diabetes is essential to lower the risk/manage Diabetic Retinopathy. For Type 1 Diabetes, it’s important to follow an insulin routine tailored to your need and an appropriate diet.

For Type 2 Diabetes, being physically active, maintaining a healthy body weight, following a balanced diet, and leading an overall healthy lifestyle are the proper management measures.

You can also join support groups/communities to learn more ways of managing your Diabetes to lower the risk of complications.

Eye health maintenance tips:-

These tips can help you maintain your eye health and lower the risk of Diabetes-related vision complication:

  • Keep your blood sugar levels in control:- Have an A1c blood test conducted several times a year to keep track of your blood sugar levels.
  • Quit smoking:-Smoking can worsen your blood sugar. It’s a must to quit smoking if you have Diabetes.
  • Check your cholesterol levels:- High LDL is linked to blood vessel damage. Make sure to get your blood tested for finding how much LDL and HDL cholesterol you have.
  • Check your blood pressure:- Make sure check your blood pressure every time you visit your doctor as part of your Diabetes management plan.

We hope you’ve gained useful information with this guide. Stay tuned to this space for more interesting write-ups about Diabetic Retinopathy and other eye health disorders.

For a proper Diabetic Retinopathy treatment, you can visit Disha Eye Hospital and consult with our eye specialists. We are a leading eye hospital in West Bengal that provides quality eye care at affordable rates. Learn more at http://www.dishaeye.org/vitreo-retinal.